What is the best caliber of rifle for a ten year old?

Answer 1

There's no question about it. The .22 caliber rifle is the best rifle for a 10-year old to start learning with. The rifles are common, come with a range of features from no extras to heavy barrel target guns, are relatively inexpensive, and the ammunition isn't priced like it's made of gold. Plus, it's a small caliber and won't be as hard on the shooter's shoulder as something bigger. And the smaller caliber weapon can be used just about anywhere at an indoor range where a big long rifle can't. (Aside from the fact that smaller indoor ranges won't let a shooter blast away with the heavy hunting rifle, who wants to shoot, say, a .300 Winchester at a target 100 feet away?) Be sure to hook up a shooter's basic course so that the fundamental aspects of gun safety can be presented. They issue cards for completion now, and you'll want one. A tip: when on the range under the instruction of the range master, focus your eyes and all concentration on that person. Range master's have been know to send youngsters off the firing line for simply not looking at the instructor and paying attention. Gun safety is important. Don't end up doing a Dick Cheney by being stupid. You could be killed or kill someone else. It really is life or death with a weapon. And "I didn't know it was loaded!" is not an excuse. It will not bring back the dead. A link has been added to the home page for the National Rifle Association. You may be a life member or you may hate these people, but one thing about this group is that if a person is determined to learn gun basics, they will always step up to the plate and help. Safety is their number one concern. No NRA member or affiliate has ever been "soft" on gun safety. This organization has a long history and tradition of teaching young and old the ins and outs of guns and basic shooting. The handling and use of a weapon is, like it or not, the way this country was born. And there are lots of folks who shoot targets that would never hunt game. Gotta respect that. There is no question that these folks have taught more gun safety classes and to more people than any other organization in the country. Learn from the best. Be smart about this one. Good luck.